The first hand that went up belonged to a boy near the middle.
He wasn't shy, but he looked like he'd been rehearsing the question in his head for a while.
"Coach Izan," he started, causing Izan and a few of the boys to chuckle at the title he added to Izan's name before the latter motioned towards him.
"Speak freely," he said, earning a nod from the player who continued with his question.
"You talked about hard work several times since you got here," he said. "But… most of the time, hard work without talent doesn't get you far."
A few players nodded right away, relieved someone had said it out loud.
Izan didn't rush.
He gave the boy a quick nod as the ball finally let go of the hand that was up the whole time he was asking his question.
"You're right," he said, and that made a couple of heads lift.
They hadn't expected agreement.
"Hard work without talent won't turn you into Messi or Ronaldo."
The boys exchanged glances.
